Moroccan Ambassador El Houcine Fardani.
Viet Nam News spoke to Moroccan Ambassador El Houcine Fardani on the occasion of his country’s National Day today.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Viet Nam-Morocco diplomatic relations. What have been the most significant achievements in this relationship during the last 50 years?
The last decade was marked by a number of significant achievements on the level of the bilateral relations. We can mention in this regard the high ranking visits from both sides which had positive outcomes contributing to strengthening the relationship and the co-operation between the two countries.
The high-ranking visits from both countries, especially the speakers of the parliaments and the prime ministers of the two countries, have paved the way for the development of the relationship and co-operation between our two countries.
| MOROCCO AT A GLANCE
Area: 710,850sq km Population: 30 million Capital: Rabat Language: Arabic Currency: Dirham (DH) National flag: Red with a green star in the centre |
In 2004, the official visit to Morocco of the then Vietnamese Prime Minister Phan Van Khai was crucial to the development of bilateral relations. He was received by His Majesty the King Mohammed VI, the Moroccan Prime Minister and the presidents of both Houses of Parliament. The two parties signed a number of agreements covering many fields of co-operation.
In response to the visit of the speaker of the Moroccan House of Representatives to Viet Nam in 2003, the then chairman of the National Assembly of Viet Nam Nguyen Van An paid a visit to Morocco in 2005 during which he inaugurated the Vietnamese Embassy in Rabat. In 2006, Taib Fassi Fihri, Minister of Foreign Affairs, then Minister Delegate for Foreign Affairs, officially opened the Moroccan Embassy in Ha Noi and co-chaired the first session of the political consultations between the ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries.
In March 2008, Viet Nam and Morocco held the first session of the Joint Committee in Rabat. The two sides identified a number of areas where the two countries can co-operate such as tourism, agriculture, aquaculture and education.
During the visit of Moroccan Prime Minister Abbas El Fassi to Viet Nam in 2008, the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen friendship and co-operation ties in political, economic and cultural fields. On this occasion, the two sides signed an agreement on avoidance of double taxation.
An agreement on the encouragement and protection of investment is ready for signature.
In May this year, the second session held in Ha Noi identified many fields where the two countries can co-operate. To enhance trade relations the two parties underlined the need to set up a business council which will help address identified problems.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, Morocco and Viet Nam have decided to organise cultural events in the two countries.
In April, Morocco and Viet Nam set a two-way trade target to turn over US$100 million by next year. What needs to be done to achieve this target? What tips do you have for international businesses when it comes to Morocco?
While political relations are excellent between our two countries, bilateral economic co-operation remains short of expectations on both sides. The volume of trade exchange between the two countries is still weak and amounts to several millions dollars annually. In 2009, Viet Nam exported to Morocco several products (including coffee) worth US$50 million. Imports from Morocco represented the petty sum of $3.5 million.
| Camels cross the desert in Morocco. — VNS File Photo |
During the last meeting of the Joint Committee held in Ha Noi in May, the two sides recognised the need to multiply efforts to enhance the trade exchange to $100 million next year. The committee proposed the setting up of a joint business council between Moroccan and Vietnamese operators. This forum for consultation and reflection will help propose to the governments of the two countries the solutions it can identify to develop trade relations. Now it is up to the business communities in both countries to realise this project. The governments, which play a facilitator role, cannot do it in their place.
Morocco and Viet Nam have signed agreements to encourage trade relations and now we have to implement them. Business communities from both sides have to intensify market exploration and exchange of information on the economic opportunities in both countries and to participate in the trade exhibitions organised in both countries.
In reality, Asian markets are new for Moroccan businessmen and the African markets are new to Vietnamese businesses. Both are used to dealing with neighbouring countries and regions. So more time is needed to discover these markets.
You are the first ambassador of Morocco to Viet Nam. How would you reflect on your work and life here so far?
The opening of the embassy in Ha Noi was an exciting mission for me and my staff. Thanks to the assistance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other departments, which I want to warmly thank on this occasion, we have nice premises in beautiful areas for both the embassy office and residence.
Since my arrival in Viet Nam in 2006, my priority has been to enhance economic, political and cultural ties between our nations. The assistance and the collaboration of Vietnamese officials at all levels made things easier for me. But, even though we have performed a satisfactory job in developing our bilateral relations, further efforts are needed to deepen co-operation in trade, education and cultural areas.
On the other hand, my family and I have been enjoying the life in Viet Nam. We have discovered the rich and diversified culture of this beautiful country and I have witnessed great changes in economic and social fields. I am convinced that Viet Nam will reach its objectives despite difficulties at both domestic and international levels.
Tourism is a very promising area of Morocco’s economy. What should be done to promote tourism ties between Viet Nam and Morocco?
Indeed the tourism area is one of the main sectors which contribute to the development of Morocco. The joint committee identified various fields, including tourism, where the two countries have great potential for co-operation. Both sides agreed to initiate training courses, exchange information and facilitate communication activities and tourism promotion in both countries.
Taking into consideration the great role of tourism to develop more comprehension and understanding between peoples, the two sides encourage travel agencies in both countries to co-operate in order to increase the number of tourists both ways.
The co-operation in this sector is expected to experience significant progress with the signing in near future of an agreement in this area.
Could you share with our readers how Morocco celebrates its National Day?
The celebration of the Throne Day, which is also National Day, on July 30 each year in one of the main cities is dedicated to renew the pact between the king and the people: the people pledge allegiance to the king who, in return, has to defend the unity and the sovereignty of the country and protect rights and freedom of individuals, social groups and organisations. He guarantees the independence of the nation and the territorial integrity of the kingdom.
On this occasion, His Majesty King Mohammed VI is also undertaking various activities, including the ceremony of allegiance from civil and military officials, the ceremony of swearing in of new laureates of major military schools, the Presidency of the different receptions organised specifically for the party throne. In addition, the king has received congratulations from the diplomatic corps accredited to Morocco and from several monarchs and heads of state of other nations.
This year, the celebration of National Day is special because it is taking place after the adoption by referendum on July 1 of a new constitution which opens a new era of democracy and good governance in Morocco. — VNS
